Don McLean Reveals the True Meaning of American Pie 50 Years Later

Are you a fan of the song American Pie? Did you know that there’s a new documentary featuring writer and performer Don McLean that gives viewers an inside look at all of the lyrics, the stories behind them, the creation of the songs, and more?

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - The Day The Music Died
01:52 - McLean’s Childhood
03:06 - McLean’s Songwriting Years
03:55 - McLean Clarifies the References
04:23 - The Song’s Arrangement and Length
05:32 - McLean Isn’t Happy
06:57 - Outro

The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie,’ airs on Paramount+ and is a documentary all about his amazing and classic song. In it, Don McLean is interviewed and gives information about himself and the song that he's never revealed before. In this video, we take a look at this epic and famous song, as well as McLean himself, before diving into some of the info that will be revealed in the documentary. McLean offers up clarifications on each line of the song and even shoots down popular misconceptions about some of the references he makes.

He talks about the origins of the song, and where he was on a fateful day that a plane crashed in Iowa, killing music stars Richie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper. He talks about the recording sessions, and how they struggled to find the groove at first, as well as the strategies they utilized to deal with the son's massive length. And we also talk about McLean's mental anguish as he has gotten into his older years. He’s always been an emotional and fragile artist, and it has only grown more so the case with each year.

So check out this video today for everything you want to know about this upcoming documentary. Join Facts Verse, as Don McLean reveals the true meaning of American Pie 50 years later.

Don McLean Reveals the True Meaning of American Pie 50 Years Later

[fredmarinovich]

I now know less about it than I did before

[lesterthomason]

We studied this song, in a English writing class, in High School. 1973-74. Fun part was, we listened to it many times, and all enjoyed it. Nice to know more about how the song was written.

[mamapoch]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I still, to this day, put it on any song playlist that I make.

[cgarza]

I'm glad Ritchie Valens' sister is happy with McLean's song. It truly cemented her brother's legacy and generations will continue to learn about him and what happened, because of the song.

[Nennine]

When I finally realized what Starry Starry night was about I cried. The lyrics were so heart-wrenching. When he talks about the meaning of all the paintings and how Van Gogh took his own life. The sorrow in the song still brings me to tears.

[verahoward]

Don McLean I will never forget this song. I knew it was about the
deaths of Ritchie Valens, the Big bopper and Buddy Holly. It's a beautiful tribute to the tragic story. I still feel the hurt as I think about it. It is un- forgettable era and it was a great loss to America. These were the teenage years. My
Heartfelt empathy to the family and friends of these remarkable young men. Who will forever remain in the hearts of our generation & future generations 🌹🌹🌹 ❤️❤️❤️ RIP

[avejoe]

Don McLean is a great singer. I love his music. American Pie is my favorite song. Awesome Man!

[gussygatlin]

I can relate to Don's feelings growing up and not trusting others.... Not keeping up with past friendships etc... It's like you described me, but I'm not a singer or song writer.... I'd love a total breakdown of the whole song!!! I guess I'll never know.
Thanks for making this video. Great Job!!!

[Airbubblepodcast]

Got mad respect for this man! He didn’t listen to them on songs! He wrote it himself and that just 😮me! I’m like are you serious you wrote this!?
It just shows that these music executives don’t know what they are talking about! You have to go what is in your heart. You can’t do songs that are soulless. So sad that 😢there are singers out there that have to sing songs that mean nothing to them.

[angeleverable]

There's a deliberate pun in one lyric: "While Lenin read a book on Marx" is also printed on some music sheets as "While Lennon read a book on Marx".

[robertshawiv]

I always assumed that since it was written in the 70’s, weed was the cause of the confusing lyrics. Kinda like the lyrics to Hotel California. Crazy

[dl]

I saw Don Mclean in concert at Wake Forest University. Everyone was trying to make sense of the lyrics. I've read many explanations of the lyrics. I was hoping to learn the meaning. It did not happen. But the man, the music and the show he put on was awesome.

[divinationdestiny]

This song just got so heavy in my spirit today. Thank you for the analytics of it

[marymcgee]

I have the 45 rpm and you have to flip it over to listen to the whole song.

[refinedhayseedappalachian]

I was 9 when the song hit my am radio in Gainesville, Fl. The entire song seemed to touch the airwaves with my hippie happy go lucky childhood. It felt like god was talking. It was the mood we were all waiting for to be filled.

[michaelminor]

The ambiguities in American Pie allows listeners to imagine

[tammiestephens]

In a way...with things the way they are now....its a song to America....Don't let the music die....America is the pie...all ingredients are important....50 yrs plus....HAS MORE MEANING...Save

[bonniewoodbaker]

I lived all that.born In 49 thank you. For the song

[thisisme]

American Pie is truly an icon of greatness in music history. 👍😎

[davidcarbone]

Other than what was explained here, most of the lyrics are confusing to me. Did not realize the original was a two-sided record. So is the 8 minute 42 second the first side or the whole thing Definitely a favorite song so thank you so sharing!